Casinos Austria prepares to reopen land-based estate

Casinos Austria will reopen its 12 bricks and mortar venues from 29 May, following a shut down as a result of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) lasting over two months.

The venues closed their doors as a result of the pandemic on 16 March, but with reopen with limited occupancy on Friday this week, under Ministry of Health Ordinance 231.

Social distancing protocols will be in place on the casino floor to avoid any potential spread of Covid-19, with customers instructed to stay at least one metre apart from other guests, and wear a mask while in the property. While all venues will accept cash payments, customers have been told to pay with contactless card where possible.

Casino restaurants will also reopen from 29 May, subject to strict hygiene protocols set out by the country’s government.

That date is to also see Casinos Austria’s WinWin gaming hall chain resume operations in most locations. Three of the 20 WinWin halls across the country are to remain closed for the time being, however.

In April Sazka, which jointly controls Casinos Austria alongside state investment arm Österreichische Beteiligungs (ÖBAG), said it was looking to mitigate the loss of revenue caused by the shutdown through government support and migrating players to the Win2Day igaming portal.